Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-03-03
DIR. ARMSTRONG.
Hs REyouscHs THE MINISTRY OF rae
EPISCOPAL cHURcH.
BE Writes Sharp Letter to Bishop Beck
with-The Bishop Replies
and Deposes Him.
especial Telegram to the Dispatch. ]


ATLANTA. Ga, March 1.-The CORE
spondence between Rev. j. q. Arm
strong. the suspended Episcopal priest.
and Bishop J. w. Beckwith has been
made public. In his first letter to the
Bishop DR.. Armstrong says:
"Desiring TO relieve the Protestant Episcopal
thoughts words or actions, rs well As 70 re-
ueve myself Of any and all responsibility to
aid church do hereby renounce the minis
try OF the same"
In reply 10 this letter Bishop Beck
with points out that it is discretionary
with the Bishop whether one under
charges should be tried or not, but
says:
~ do not see that the interests Of the Church
require that there should be a trial. while do
see that such trial would add 20 your suffer
ings ard those OF your family. While my oni-
cial duty has demanded OF me the action Tnlch
bas caused them and you much pain, there has
never been moment wnen Soulu mo- na,e
thanked God II ] could have done otherwise
llls ia not said in the hope OF Iustifying myself
10 you or 70 any man Time moves Us ali
rapidly on to the judgment seat OF Chrlst and
| await the final scrutiny OF Him who searrhetn
tho hearts Of men for my Justification. In TINS
AFFAIR Of unepeakablo sadness am glad 10 do
what | can 20 avoid giving you and yours a1-
ditional pain. My prayer TO God Tor you -
TINT He may give you strength 70 struggle
with and master habit which as strOhg
man armed seems 20 be binding you that II
may rob your sodl Of its treasures- peg tnas
you will pardon the liberty ! have taken Ia
saving this much. God In His Infinite mercy
strengthen and help you. | accept your re-
nnnciaiIon OF the sacred ministry, and will
iate srch steps a. the Law OF the Church re-
quiresn
This reference to habit angered DIR.
Armstrong exceedingly, and in a long
letter he rasps the Bishop severely.
The sum OF his letter is to repudiate
the Bishops imputation TO deny bis
right to try the motives of men, and
caustic doubt of the charity which
should animate one in the episcopacy.
Says the Doctor:
"Icannot but reply that the course Of the ac-
| tiop throughout was not such a. 10 inspire with
| the comforting confidence that charity az tho
| limo largely dominated and determined your
| benrt. Yet repeat that the external OF ac-
| tons are not always the infalllble exponehts
| Of the motives Of the actors. Ali right reye-
rend and dear sir, II Is not when our suiierings
a.e over that we need aud welcome assurances
| Of sympathy and willingness 10 help. II Is
| when We are In them and under them. MOI
Il
| suffering children.
"'He is present help In time OF trouble.
| "In the time Of my trouble, however, you
whom had been taught ~ call my Rev. Father
| In cod stood afar Of from me-" Impugning the
| bishops sincerity, the Doctor SAYS no almost
| ,ursed the hour when he trusted him. He then
| concludes: "Yet cannot but enter my protest
| against very unkind assumption involved In
\ he otherwise kindliness Of expression III your
| Wish. The assumption which induced the opon
| Affirmation that there Is "A habit which as
| atfong man armed seems 10 be binding
! met / submit Is not generous, which L
positively assoverate that IL " not have never
| denied taking intoxicating liquor when did
| lakeit Ihave never when taking II gone behind
| q door OF drawn down the blinds: what have
| done I'm the matter, whether IL was blanea6ie
| or unblameable, have done openly. But this
/ folemnly asseVerate, that the habit OF intern
| rorance Is not my habit neither does II rs a
strong man armed bind me, and, admitting
| De honesty and sincerity OF your expressed
wsh. this asseveration, II you accept II "a true,
| mu,t be acceptable and agreeable TO you. ]
| assume that this is the last communication thai
| L viii ever be my honor 70 address to yon min.
lsierially, at least. shall be henceiorwsro
| out Ct your life and your episcopacy VIII DO oli
| mine. Yet our relations 10 each other are
| rot wholly abolished. As you yourself suggest
| ,.e are moving on TO that Judgment Whers
| motives a. well as actions snail 90 seen ana
| hrown and determined. Al that judgment
| yCu and must appear not only 10 answer fOI
| ourselves but 10 witness for and against ea'h
o,her. For the good that you have done me, Il
any. may the Great Father of all abundantly
reward you; for the wrong that you have dons
RE, II any, may He abundantly forgive you"
Bishop Beckwith Immediately on re
ception OF this letter summoned the
| Rev. Mr.. Holly and Rev. Mr.. Barrett Il
| It. Luke church, and, in their presence
formally deposed DR.. Armstrong from
the ministry.